Alongside Other Challenges, Returnees’ Entire Property Left in Pakistan

Some Afghan refugees deported from Pakistan say all of their belongings have been left behind in that country.

The forced expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, in addition to other problems, is also marked by a major issue: their properties and assets remaining in Pakistan.

Adam Khan, a 40-year-old man who was born in Pakistan, has now been deported along with 13 members of his family.

He said that 300,000 Pakistani rupees’ worth of belongings were left behind, and now he is worried about his and his family’s future.

Speaking about the matter, Adam Khan said: “I was born in Pakistan and spent most of my life there. I have only now seen Afghanistan — this is my third night here. We spent our whole lives in Pakistan. Who will speak for us? UNHCR doesn’t, nor does the international community. Who will stand up for us?”

Other deported refugees have also shared their struggles.

Shireen, another deportee from Pakistan, said: “We have no home, we have nothing. I call on the Islamic Emirate to help us and build us a house. I don’t know anything about work or business here in Afghanistan. I don’t have land or any property.”

Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that between April 1 and May 4 of this year, more than 231,000 undocumented Afghan refugees have been deported from Pakistan and Iran and have returned to Afghanistan. According to the organization, they have provided aid to over 86,000 of those returnees.

Mohammad Khalid Faqiri, deputy director of the Humanitarian Aid Program, stated: “From April to May 4 of this year, more than 231,000 undocumented Afghans have returned from Pakistan and Iran. Of them, over 80,000 have received humanitarian assistance.”

This comes as the foreign ministers of Iran and Pakistan had earlier visited Afghanistan, where addressing the challenges faced by Afghan refugees was one of their main talking points. Despite this, the forced deportation of Afghan refugees continues.

Alongside Other Challenges, Returnees’ Entire Property Left in Pakistan
read more

Doha Process Praised, Women’s Rights Concerns Raised at UN Event in Kabul

According to a UNDP report, the percentage of women needing health services rose from 82% in 2022 to 93% in 2024.

Mikio Izawa, Japan’s chargé d’affaires in Kabul, said at a UNDP-organized event that the Doha process and the formation of working groups on the private sector and drug control serve as key platforms for building trust between the Islamic Emirate and the international community.

“In this connection, ongoing efforts and the Doha process, more concretely, private sector working group and counter-narcotics working group are key platforms for confidence building between the DFA and the international community and addressing the critical needs of Afghan people,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Political Chief of UNAMA and the European Union’s Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul voiced concern over the ongoing restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan.

Veronika Bošković-Pohar, the EU’s chargé d’affaires in Afghanistan, said: “We are here to support Afghan people. And for us, one priority is women empowerment, private sector, youth as well as human capital. And for that, as I said, we need conducive policy, we need predictability.”

Georgette Gagnon as the Deputy Special Representative (Political) for Afghanistan also emphasized: “The urgent need for the lifting of restrictions on women and girls. Women are not only facing socio economic marginalization and serious challenges to participate in the formal economy, but women headed households are also far more likely to experience subsistence insecurity.”

At the same meeting, the United Nations Development Programme reported that Afghanistan experienced a modest economic growth of 2.7% in 2023 and 2024, the first such growth since 2019. However, the growth remains fragile.

Stephen Rodriques, UNDP’s representative in Afghanistan, noted: “Our data show that in 2024, 75% of the Afghan population were subsistence insecure. And that’s up 6 percentage points from 2023. This means 75% of the population are living at a subsistence level.”

According to a UNDP report, the percentage of women needing health services rose from 82% in 2022 to 93% in 2024.

The report also warned that continued restrictions on women could cost Afghanistan nearly $920 million in economic losses between 2024 and 2026.

Doha Process Praised, Women’s Rights Concerns Raised at UN Event in Kabul
read more

Washington Reaffirms Commitment to Releasing American Hostages

The US State Department also reiterated that repatriating detained Americans abroad remains a top priority for the Trump administration.

Adam Boehler, the US president’s special representative for hostage affairs, has reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to securing the release of Mahmood Habibi and other Americans detained abroad.

Boehler stated on X that it has been 1,000 days since Mahmood Habibi, an Afghan-American, was detained by the Islamic Emirate. He emphasized the US commitment to Habibi’s release and the broader goal of ending “hostage diplomacy.”

He wrote: “Today marks 1000 days since Mahmood Habibi was taken in Afghanistan by the Taliban. We remain committed to securing his release and the freedom of all Americans held captive. End hostage diplomacy.”

The US State Department also reiterated that repatriating detained Americans abroad remains a top priority for the Trump administration.

Although the interim Afghan government has not yet provided any information on Mahmood Habibi’s detention or status, during Trump’s second term, three American citizens— Ryan Corbett, George Glezmann, and Faye Hall —have been released through Qatari mediation.

Salim Paigir, a political analyst, told TOLOnews: “Based on what we know, he is Afghan-origin but holds an American passport and is currently with the Islamic Emirate. If the Emirate, in good faith, hands him over to the Trump administration despite his Afghan heritage, it could positively impact bilateral relations—provided the US also respects the Emirate’s conditions.”

Previously, the US State Department announced that efforts to free American citizens detained in Afghanistan, Russia, and Venezuela are ongoing.

Washington Reaffirms Commitment to Releasing American Hostages
read more

WFP: One-Third of Afghanistan’s Population Faces Hunger

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy said it is working on several projects to improve the country’s economic conditions.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has raised concerns over the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, stating that nearly one-third of the country’s population is grappling with hunger.

WFP estimates Afghanistan’s population to be around 46 million and says it urgently needs $451 million in funding to continue supporting vulnerable families over the next six months.

At the same time, many laborers and street vendors in the capital voiced worries about the worsening poverty and unemployment, saying they struggle to feed their families.

Wahid, a 23-year-old who runs a small street stand in Kabul, is among thousands of informal vendors compelled to work daily due to lack of job opportunities and economic support.

Wahid told TOLOnews: “I’m not being ungrateful, but I can only earn enough to cover basic household expenses like potatoes, onions, and dry bread.”

Mukhtar, a laborer in Kabul, said: “There is very little work. Many people are unemployed.”

Abdul Nasir Reshtia, an economic analyst, told TOLOnews: “Humanitarian aid, in general, doesn’t have high economic effectiveness—it can only temporarily alleviate poverty. However, if economic aid is channeled into development projects, it can have a more significant impact.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economy said it is working on several projects to improve the country’s economic conditions.

Abdul Latif Nazari, deputy minister of economy, stated: “The international community must continue its assistance to the Afghan people. The Islamic Emirate is also prioritizing employment and infrastructure projects.”

Following the halt of US and other international aid after recent political changes, many global organizations have warned of escalating poverty, unemployment, and hunger in Afghanistan.

WFP: One-Third of Afghanistan’s Population Faces Hunger
read more

Kabulov: Afghanistan Not ‘Priority for Russia’ But Geopolitically Important

The Islamic Emirate must pursue this while maintaining a policy of neutrality.

Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special representative for Afghanistan, stated that Afghanistan is not a priority for Moscow; however, due to its geographical location and geopolitical interests, it holds significant importance.

In an interview with a Russian media outlet, he also emphasized that establishing normal relations with the Islamic Emirate is in Russia’s interest and that a legal framework should be provided for it.

According to Kabulov, removing the Islamic Emirate from Russia’s list of banned groups is a key condition for initiating official and economic cooperation with Afghanistan.

He stated: “Without removing the Taliban from Russia’s list of banned groups, establishing official relations will not be possible—not only in terms of security institutions, but also in economic and trade sectors.”

“Russia is one of the major political, economic, and military powers in the region and the world. The better relations we have with Russia, the more beneficial it will be for us. Also, in the past three years, Russia has managed to establish good relations with the Islamic Emirate,” said Salim Paygir, a political analyst.

Some experts say that relations with regional and global countries, especially Russia, are necessary not only politically but also economically. The Islamic Emirate must pursue this while maintaining a policy of neutrality.

“Expanding political relations between Russia and Afghanistan is a positive step. It is hoped that in addition to political ties, trade relations will also be developed, so that a suitable solution can be found for Afghanistan’s current challenges, which are mostly political and economic. All efforts must be based on the principle of neutrality,” said Janat Faheem Chakari, another political analyst.

“Whether we accept it or not, Afghanistan, due to the internal policies of the Islamic Emirate or external pressures, has been globally isolated. This isolation is not in Afghanistan’s favor. Therefore, both the Islamic Emirate and the country’s people and merchants need to establish relations, especially if such relations are based on national interests with neighboring, regional, and global countries. It will certainly benefit Afghanistan,” said Aziz Maarej, former diplomat.

These statements come as Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister, said in a meeting with Kabulov in Kabul that the interim government is soon to appoint a diplomat at ambassador level to Moscow.

Kabulov: Afghanistan Not ‘Priority for Russia’ But Geopolitically Important
read more

Can’t go forward, can’t go back: Afghan refugees stuck in Qatar wait for a way forward

By REBECCA SANTANA and FARNOUSH AMIRI

WASHINGTON (AP) — Negina Khalili’s family sold their house and possessions in Afghanistan and flew to a U.S. base in Qatar in January, preparing for the last step in emigrating to America. Thirteen days later, the Trump administration took office — and suspended the refugee program that would have let them in.

Now they are among a small group of Afghans who advocates say are waiting at a camp in Qatar for permission to one day come to America.

“If they send them back to Afghanistan,” Khalili said, “that will be a huge risk for my family.”

When President Donald Trump returned to the White House, among the numerous immigration-related executive orders he signed was one suspending the country’s refugee program. Thousands of people around the world suddenly found their path cut off — people who had been hoping to emigrate to America through a program that over decades has helped people fleeing war, persecution and strife to come to the United States.

Now they wait and hope.

For those waiting in Qatar, clarity fades

For a small group of Afghans in Qatar, it was especially jarring. They had traveled there before Trump took office, then found themselves stuck with little clarity on what would happen to them in the future, advocates and sources familiar with the situation say.

Shawn VanDiver, the head of #AfghanEvac, an advocacy group that works to help Afghans who offered assistance during America’s two-decade-long war in Afghanistan emigrate to America, said about 1,200 Afghan refugees are at the base in Qatar. That figure was confirmed by a State Department official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

“We brought them there. And it’s on us to figure out what to do with them next. The only right answer is to follow through on what was promised,” VanDiver said.

When the Taliban retook power in Afghanistan in August 2021, the U.S. airlifted out tens of thousands of Afghans who’d supported the American efforts. It was a chaotic withdrawal: Desperate Afghans thronged Kabul’s airport hoping for a way out. In the years that followed, as the issue fell from the headlines, the Biden administration continued to relocate tens of thousands of Afghans right up until Biden left office.

There are two main ways Afghans can emigrate to America. The classic example is the military translator who worked directly for the U.S. government and qualifies for the special immigrant visa. Afghans who don’t meet those guidelines but who assisted America’s efforts in Afghanistan and are at risk for it can be referred to refugee programs.

They usually come to the United States through a network of “lilypads” set up under the Biden administration in a few countries around the world. Afghans who passed key steps in a lengthy process to emigrate would travel to these “lilypads” to finish their processing and eventually journey onward to the United States.

In Qatar, they’re housed in a former U.S. military base now run by the State Department. They can’t go off the base unless escorted by a U.S. official.

Since Trump returned to office, Afghans can still come through the special immigrant visa process, although they have to pay their own way or get help. But Afghan refugees have been shut out after Trump suspended the program. In Qatar, that has meant waiting and worrying. Similar concerns are playing out in Pakistan, where the Pakistani government has been aggressively pushing Afghan refugees to return home.

One of those in Qatar is Saliha. She’s an Afghan lawyer and part of a generation of women who grew up after the U.S. invasion. These women could go to school and college, and get jobs that took them out into the world.

She opened her own law firm and helped abused women get divorces. After the Taliban retook control, she and her family went into hiding, and she was referred to the refugee program two years ago. Around that time, the Taliban had been going around to her father’s house, trying to find her and saying: “Your daughter helped our wives leave us.” Saliha gave only her first name out of concern for her safety if she and her family were to return to Afghanistan.

She and her family arrived in the Qatar camp in January, hopeful they’d soon be in America. Then came the refugee program suspension.

Saliha said there are classes for the Afghan children, and a park where the kids can play. The men go to the gym together and play soccer; the women often gather to socialize.

She tries to be positive, although she’s heard about other Afghans whose resettlement applications were denied and were given a month to leave the base. That hasn’t happened to her and her family, and she says they’re well-treated. But as they wait for progress, she’s worried.

“We worked hard and sacrificed a lot. We did nothing wrong,” Saliha said. “Our only sin is helping the women of Afghanistan, defend women who had been abused and raped.”

The program is suspended indefinitely, for now

It’s not clear if the Trump administration will resume the refugee program. Right now, it’s suspended indefinitely. Trump requested a report looking at whether to resume it, but those results haven’t been made public.

Advocates for the Afghan refugees stress how much vetting they go through before actually getting to America, and what they did to contribute to the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. VanDiver said within that group of 1,200 in Qatar are 200 relatives of U.S. service members.

Groups that help to resettle refugees have sued to restart the refugee program. An appeals court said the government was within its authority to suspend it, but that a small subset of already-approved refugees should be allowed in.

The administration argued that the already-approved number amounted to only about 160 people worldwide. But Monday, a judge put the number at roughly 12,000 and ordered the government to admit them. It’s not clear how many Afghans are included in this group or how quickly the government will move to comply.

In a statement, the State Department said it was “actively considering the future of our Afghan relocation program” as well as the office specifically tasked with coordinating Afghan relocation efforts.

“No final decisions have been made,” the department said. It also said it continues to provide support to “Afghan allies and partners” overseas.

In the meantime, Afghans trying to get to the United States — and those waiting for them here — wait and worry.

Khalili, a former prosecutor in Afghanistan, fled in the 2021 withdrawal. She worries about what will happen to her father, brother and stepmother and whether they’ll be forced back to Afghanistan. They message back and forth daily.

“They are facing a lot of depression and they don’t know what will happen,” she said. “Every day, I am thinking about my family.”

Santana covers the Department of Homeland Security for The Associated Press. She has extensive experience reporting in such places as Russia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Amiri covers foreign policy and the United Nations as a correspondent for The Associated Press, based in New York.

 

Can’t go forward, can’t go back: Afghan refugees stuck in Qatar wait for a way forward
read more

US Supreme Court orders resumption of Afghan Refugee Cases starting May 12

Khaama Press

A U.S. Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to resume processing Afghan refugee cases starting May 12, 2025.

The U.S. Supreme Court judge has directed the Trump administration to resume processing Afghan refugee immigration cases as of May 12. This ruling includes programs like the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), resettlement initiatives, and travel approvals for refugees.

Shawn VanDiver, head of the Afghan Evac, celebrated the ruling as a significant victory for America’s Afghan allies. He stressed that if the Trump administration complies, this will mark a meaningful step forward.

The Supreme Court’s order specifically demands the cancellation of the suspension on accepting refugees under the U.S. immigration program. This decision is set to go into effect from May 12. The court emphasized that the administration should begin processing cases immediately.

Furthermore, the ruling mandates the resumption of refugee processing at all levels, including U.S. embassies, reinstating funding, access to structures, and restoring contracts related to refugee assistance programs.

Additionally, the Trump administration has been ordered to begin the relocation and transfer of refugees under protection, starting with expired medical and security clearance certificates. This is a critical aspect of the broader resumption process.

Starting on May 19, the U.S. government must inform all refugees under its protection that their cases are being reinstated and actively moving forward. This order underscores the urgency of re-engaging with the refugee resettlement process.

The ruling further mandates that the U.S. government facilitates travel and medical examinations for refugees through the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The process should be re-established as soon as possible to ensure the smooth flow of operations.

Finally, the administration is required to support independent travel and medical procedures for refugees, ensuring that individuals are free to continue their journey to the U.S. without hindrance.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision comes after President Donald Trump, in January of this year, issued executive orders suspending all refugee admissions, transfers, and resettlement processes. However, it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will comply with the court’s order. The White House has not yet commented on the matter.

This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate surrounding U.S. immigration and refugee policies. While the court’s decision is a significant win for Afghan refugees, its implementation remains uncertain, especially given the administration’s previous stance on immigration.

The outcome will likely have a lasting impact on U.S. refugee policy, particularly concerning Afghan allies, and may influence future legal challenges and political negotiations regarding refugee resettlement.

US Supreme Court orders resumption of Afghan Refugee Cases starting May 12
read more

UN urges immediate support for Afghanistan’s women amid rising challegnes

UN Women calls for urgent support for Afghan women, emphasizing the need for safe spaces, legal aid, and professional training.

The United Nations Women’s Division has reiterated its commitment to addressing the systemic barriers faced by women and girls in Afghanistan. The organization emphasized that these women occupy a central role in its programs, calling for targeted support to overcome obstacles. This includes providing safe spaces, legal aid, and professional education, as part of a broader strategy to promote gender equality.

In a statement released on May 6, the UN Women’s Division highlighted the importance of gender-specific assistance for Afghan women. The memo also underscored the need to support women-led businesses, recognizing their contributions as a vital factor for economic improvement and sustainability in Afghanistan.

The organization expressed its deep concern over the escalating restrictions imposed on Afghan women and girls. Currently, these women are deprived of basic rights such as education, employment, and participation in public life, a situation exacerbated by the policies of the Taliban.

According to recent reports, over 70% of Afghan women face significant challenges in accessing humanitarian aid. The Taliban’s strict regulations have further constrained women’s participation in public and professional spheres, resulting in widespread hardships for Afghan women.

Despite these challenges, the UN remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Afghan women’s rights and fostering gender equity in the region. The organization continues to advocate for policy changes that would allow these women to regain their rights and play an active role in Afghanistan’s social, economic, and political spheres.

The United Nations stresses that the international community must intensify efforts to address these injustices. Supporting Afghan women is not only a matter of human rights but is also crucial for the long-term peace and stability of the country. The situation remains dire, but global collaboration can help restore the rights and dignity of Afghan women and girls.

UN urges immediate support for Afghanistan’s women amid rising challegnes
read more

Uncertain Futures: Afghan Deportees Struggle to Rebuild Lives in Kabul Camp

Lack of shelter and job opportunities are their fundamental challenges. These families are preparing to return to their respective provinces.

With the rise in deportation of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries, a camp in the 11th district of Kabul city has become a gathering point for hundreds of families.

These families residing in the camp have returned to their homeland empty-handed after living for years in Pakistan and Iran. They now face an uncertain future.

Lack of shelter and job opportunities are their fundamental challenges. These families are preparing to return to their respective provinces.

Hijratullah, a returnee from Pakistan, told TOLOnews: “We are going to Kunduz, but our future there is uncertain. The education of our children is another concern we have.”

Mohammad Jan, another returnee from Pakistan, said: “We need financial aid to build a shelter. We are facing many problems.”

These migrants, who have spent 40 to 50 years in Pakistan, cite lack of housing, limited job opportunities, and poverty as their main challenges.

Nisar Ahmad, who returned to the country after 45 years, said: “We are going to Khanabad district of Kunduz. We have neither land nor shelter there.”

Farzana, a deportee from Pakistan, said: “We don’t own land and my husband is still abroad. Now we are forced to live in a rental house. We want land and a place to live.”

It is noteworthy that currently, between 800 to 1,000 migrants arrive daily at this camp from neighboring countries, including Iran and Pakistan. The authorities at Baba Jan Camp said efforts are being made to facilitate returnees.

Abulais, the security officer of Lawai Baba Jan camp, said: “We have made arrangements in this camp. We provide tents and blankets, food is also prepared for them, and there is a health section with both male and female doctors.”

Meanwhile, the UNHCR reported that in the month of April, more than 280,000 Afghans have been deported from Pakistan and Iran.

Uncertain Futures: Afghan Deportees Struggle to Rebuild Lives in Kabul Camp
read more

India-Pakistan Tensions Disrupt Afghanistan’s Trade Routes, Economy

The Chamber of Commerce and Investment stated that this situation has added more pressure to Afghanistan’s economy.

Fresh tensions between India and Pakistan have posed challenges to Afghanistan’s trade, resulting in the halt of export shipments at regional ports.

The Chamber of Commerce and Investment stated that this situation has added more pressure to Afghanistan’s economy.

Khan Jan Alokozay, a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “The situation is damaging. In addition to the fact that Afghan goods have become more expensive in India due to limited supply and high demand—since Indian people like Afghanistan’s fresh and dried fruits—this is a serious issue. We call on the governments of Pakistan and India to separate transit and trade issues from political and security matters.”

The Ministry of Economy also expressed concerns regarding the direct impact of India-Pakistan tensions on Afghanistan’s economy.

Abdul Latif Nazari, deputy minister of economy, said: “Tensions in India-Pakistan relations negatively impact Afghanistan’s economic situation. Afghanistan’s essential goods were imported through the Wagah border, and with increased tensions, this process can undoubtedly cause serious harm to Afghanistan’s imports and exports.”

Meanwhile, some experts suggest that Afghanistan can increasingly utilize Iran’s Chabahar Port to continue trade with India.

Mir Shaker Yaqubi, an economic expert, said: “Given the regional situation—especially the tensions between India and Pakistan—the conditions are now favorable for using Chabahar Port as an alternative to Wagah. We can significantly increase trade through this port, which is a golden opportunity for Afghanistan.”

At the same time, following the escalation of tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, officials from Afghanistan’s interim government and representatives of the private sector have called for regional dialogue to reduce the crisis and prevent further damage to the region’s economic interests.

India-Pakistan Tensions Disrupt Afghanistan’s Trade Routes, Economy
read more